The push-up has always been used as a strength test for upper body fitness. The following is an excerpt from a recent article in the New York Times, An Enduring Measure of Fitness: The Simple Push-up
“The push-up is the ultimate barometer of fitness. It tests the whole body, engaging muscle groups in the arms, chest, abdomen, hips and legs. It requires the body to be taut like a plank with toes and palms on the floor. The act of lifting and lowering one’s entire weight is taxing even for the very fit.”
